Varanasi One Day Tour: Ghats, Sarnath & Evening Ganga Aarti

Summary

Full-Day Varanasi Highlights: Boat Ride, Temples & Old City Walk

If you want to see Varanasi’s real spirit in just one day—from sunrise on the river to evening prayers by firelight—this tour covers it all with local insight and plenty of time for those little moments that make travel stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

The city wakes up early here. I remember stepping onto the boat at Dashashwamedh Ghat just as the mist was lifting off the river. The air had that faint smell of incense and wood smoke, mixed with something sweet from a chai stall nearby. Our guide, Ajay, pointed out families bathing along the ghats—some laughing, some quietly praying. We drifted past Manikarnika Ghat. It’s hard to describe what it feels like to witness a cremation from the water—there’s a hush that falls over everyone in the boat. You see life and death side by side here; it kind of sticks with you.

Afterwards, we squeezed into a rickshaw and headed out to Sarnath. The drive took about half an hour—traffic can be unpredictable, so bring patience. Sarnath itself felt peaceful after the city’s chaos. There were monks in maroon robes walking slowly around the stupa, and our guide shared how Buddha gave his first sermon here. We spent time wandering through the gardens and checking out old stone carvings in the museum (it’s worth popping inside if you’re curious about Buddhist history).

Back in town, we stopped at Banaras Hindu University to see Birla Temple—white marble everywhere and surprisingly quiet compared to other temples I’ve visited in India. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple was next; there were monkeys darting around outside (watch your snacks). Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Temple followed—each one different in its own way but all buzzing with local devotees lighting lamps or tying red threads for luck.

The old city walk was my favorite part. Narrow lanes packed with tiny shops selling everything from silk scarves to piles of marigold garlands. At one point I got turned around near a paan vendor who laughed and pointed me back toward Manikarnika Ghat—locals are used to lost faces here.

We ended up back at Dashashwamedh Ghat just before sunset for the evening Ganga Aarti. The crowd pressed close together as priests waved flaming lamps over the water—the sound of bells and chanting fills everything. It’s loud but somehow calming at the same time. If you only have one day in Varanasi, this tour really packs it all in without feeling rushed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Varanasi Major Attractions Tour

• Boat ride from Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Visit Sarnath Buddhist Temple
• Visit Banaras Hindu University Birla Temple
• Visit Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
• Visit Tulsi Manas Temple
• Visit Durga Temple
• Walking tour of old Banaras street
• Watch cremation at Manikarnika Ghat
• Evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Top questions

Is this tour suitable if I have limited mobility?

The tour involves walking through narrow lanes and getting on/off boats; it may not be ideal for those with mobility challenges or certain health conditions.

How long does the whole experience take?

The full-day tour usually lasts around 10 hours including travel between sites and breaks for food or rest as needed.

Can I join if I’m traveling solo?

Absolutely! Solo travelers are welcome—you’ll join a small group led by a local guide who knows Varanasi inside out.

What’s included

You’ll get a bottle of water included during your day out. All temple visits, boat ride fees, and guided walks are covered too—you just need comfortable shoes and an open mind!